Mum-To-Be vs Gypsy Shrine
- May 13, 2018
- 3 min read
You know when that wave of inspiration hits and you know EXACTLY what needs to be done to create the idea into a physical reality? Or is it just me? I had not long been reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, a book about approaching creative ideas and overcoming natural fears of being creative, when I had an idea visit. Gilbert discusses ideas as a physical being coming to visit and we have to accept whether to create or move on. I couldn't move on and decided to put moves into action! Luckily for me, we were approaching the Baby Season, August to September, the result of the previous festive season and I was able to lock in my previous manager at Complexions Skin and Beauty Center, Laura Hunt, who was expecting her first child as the model.
I would describe Laura as modern, fun and edgy, which is exactly who represents my grand idea.
We started with a soft glam makeup for a more traditional maternity posed shot. Laura had her eyebrows recently tattooed so they were already the perfect frame for her features, plus she was also a model for an eyelash lift a few days previous (a little bonus being a beauty professional is often being a model for training purposes) so eyebrows and lashes had gel to tint and tidy the hairs. I started the base with Embryolisse Laite-Creme Concentrate for super hydration, RCMA Foundation for base and contour. Benefit Sunbeam liquid highlight and the Posie Tint, also from Benefit, gave a healthy glow perfect for Laura's skin tone. These were set with Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish to prevent any flashback (only a small amount as this powder is very pigmented). Lips were filled in with NYX Lip Liner and finished with a clear gloss.
After an outfit change, we started the initial inspired idea. I had purchased a selection of cosmetic jewels from British brand Gypsy Shrine that are already arranged on an adhesive, making the application process very simple.
A large body jewel piece was used in the center of Laura's stomach and I placed additional single jewels to the surrounding area, keeping the jewels symmetrical. For colour intensity I used a water activated silver body paint on the skin and in between the jewels to cover the adhesive tape.
Over this I applied hair gel with mixed glitter I purchased from my local supplier Limelight Company. The glitters I chose were colours found and reflected in the jewels; a silver base, with pinks, greens and golds. Each colour was applied separately to allow for balance and the structure of the glitter followed the general shape of the jewels, creating a cascading effect. As mentioned, the Gypsy Shrine jewels were all self adhesive so they actually only move off the body with force, I recommend not applying any lotion or other body moisteriser after showering and cleansing the area as any oils, natural or applied will interfere to some extent on the adhesive. Afterwards, remove by peeling like a bandage and, after cleansing the area, apply a soothing moisteriser. This is very important as glitter is very abrasive and removing it will be similar to exfoliating your skin.
It is essential to note that glitter got everywhere in my house (I didn't want Laura to be heavily pregnant and cleaning anymore glitter than she had to, way beyond after baby arrived!) so any application of glitter, whether loose or wet in a gel, is a risk you'll have to take as once the gel dries it can start to flake off with touch.
If using hair gel is an issue to have applied to skin, a great alternative is aloe vera gel (for temporary use only) or liquid latex for a longer lasting event. Always remember to test products before for any adverse reactions. For this project, the glitter I used was not bio-degradable, however I would love any recommendations of brands that are as the glitter trend is not going away soon and there is nothing worse than filling our planet with plastic. For non bio-degradable glitter, never wash off in the shower or use towels that will be washed in a washing machine, instead use soap and water removed with paper towels.
As Laura is celebrating her first Mother's Day I thought it would be the perfect time to share this special shoot and to wish all the amazing Mothers in the world a perfect day!
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